The Raiders had been closely monitoring Mead's situation at the Titans, given the 25-year-old has expressed a desire to play fullback, where he starred for NSW Country Origin this season.

But Mead, who has been used primarily on the wing by the Gold Coast, remains contracted to the Titans until the end of the 2016 and has been denied permission to talk with rival clubs.

Tautau Moga was another target the Raiders failed to land. Photo: Getty Images

Moga, once described as the next Israel Folau, is the latest player to reject an offer from the Raiders. The Roosters would like to retain the 20-year-old, who has been hindered by injury and playing NSW Cup, but it looks more likely he will leave at season's end.

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The Raiders are still eyeing the market for a star No.1 following Milford's decision to shift to Brisbane from next season.

Officials thought they had their man when Wests Tiger custodian James Tedesco signed a three-year deal worth almost $2 million. However, the desire to continue playing alongside his mates at the joint-venture club proved too strong and he used the round 13 ''cooling off period'' to change his mind, even though it came at a significant financial cost.

The Raiders have previously held talks with Mead about coming to the capital.

While Titans coach John Cartwright has opted to go with former Raiders junior William Zillman as his first-choice fullback, Mead remains in Gold Coast's plans.

"As far as we are concerned, he has a contract here for another two years," Gold Coast chief executive Graham Annesley said.

"Of course we accept that fullback is his preferred position but that is the coach's call."

Manager Brendan Bourke did not back away from Mead's desire to play fullback, but confirmed the Papua New Guinea international would remain at the Titans.

"So all the talk of him moving is a bit early," Bourke said.

"Of course we want the fullback spot at the Titans; David was outstanding when he played there. Competition for spots inside a club brings out the best in everybody."

The Raiders have money to spend under their salary cap but have failed to strike a blow in the player market despite offering ''overs'' for a raft of stars.

Despite having a war chest, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has insisted he will not panic in his recruitment and spend the money in a lean player market. Canberra's focus remains on attracting potential marquee talent.

But it is understood that reports linking Canberra to Newcastle's Darius Boyd, North Queensland's Robert Lui and NRL bad boy Arana Taumata are off the mark.

The Green Machine may release former representative forward Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, who is being considered as a potential fill-in for injured Queensland prop Matt Scott. The Cowboys want to strike a deal before the June 30 deadline. St George Illawarra and Melbourne could also provide options for the 28-year-old.

3 comments so far

"Reports linking Canberra to Newcastle's Darius Boyd, North Queensland's Robert Lui and NRL bad boy Arana Taumata are off the mark."

So, there is a bright spot to all this.

Commenter

Silver lining

Location

Cloud

Date and time

June 26, 2014, 11:56PM

Why are they looking out when they could be looking in? A frighteningly quick Aboriginal kid by the name of Dwayne Connors is sensational and is playing the house down for the Bulls in the Canberra Raiders Cup right now. Imagine a home grown talent playing in the green?

Commenter

Local answer

Date and time

June 27, 2014, 6:45AM

Ricky has a preference for buying talent rather than developing talent.